Why's it So Damn Misty? It's Down to Scary-Sounding Radiation Fog

Over the last few days, the UK has been shrouded in a thick blanket of mist, despite the hottest November day on record going down on Saturday, with temperatures reaching an unusually high 22.4°C in Wales. The fog around us has already led to the death of a driver in Staffordshire, as well as widespread travel disruption, with loads of flights around the country subjected to delays and cancellations. So what exactly is causing the chaos?

What we’re experiencing right now is called radiation fog. It may sound like poison gas, but it’s really not. According to BBC Weather’s Steve Cleaton, radiation fog typically comes about during clear, calm nights. Such conditions tend to be associated with high-pressure systems, which are, more often than not, a blessing during the day, and a bit of a curse at night. When the sun sets and temperatures drop, any moisture in the air condenses, turning into atmospheric, beautiful, dangerous fog.

The Met Office says the fog should clear over the next few days, so make sure you take extra care of yourselves until then. [BBC]